Chapter 20
Reunion
Noelle.
I had traveled a long way to find my friend, Clarissa. I had heard rumors about the dangers lurking in the city, but my determination pushed me forward. After searching for days, I finally arrived in the city where Clarissa had been working as a caretaker. A sense of purpose filled my chest with warmth. I was determined to find Clarissa, as she was the only whiff of family I had left.
"Nolle, isn't it?" Jericho said, his voice carrying a hint of familiarity.
Surprised, I nodded. "Yes, that's me. How do you know my name?"
Jericho smiled warmly. "Clarissa has spoken of you often. She's mentioned how much she misses you."
Relief washed over me. "Is Clarissa here? Is she safe?"
Jericho's expression grew serious. "Yes, she's here, but her life has been far from easy. She's been through a lot, Nolle."
"Please, take me to her. I need to see her," I pleaded. I wanted to find my friend and comfort her; being away from her family must have been really hard for her at this point. I had only been in this strange land for a few hours, and yet I was scared shitless. Other supernaturals also roamed this land, but the humans also seemed dangerous themselves. I had heard tales of supernaturals being captured for a series of demeaning experiments that often led to more complications and death. So we stayed away from them for a reason.
Jericho nodded and led me through the bustling city streets, driving his car and whimpering softly as his wounds healed. I imagined what it must have felt like to be a half-breed, living your life with very little identity.
Jericho.
I feared for the battle that was looming; the vampires were sure to not ignore the murder of one of them. I also worried about Nova's reaction if I suddenly arrived with another strange young lady. After our brief lodging with Clarissa, she remained skeptical, so I had to be extremely careful so as not to raise more suspicions.
As we drove, I decided to take her directly to Clarissa. She said she was her sister, but I knew she was faintly lying. The two must be really close; I could almost smell their affiliation in the air.
"Here's what's going to happen, Nolle." I said, and she turned from the windows to face me with rapt attention.
"There's a little friction between my wife and I, so I think I'll take you directly to Clarissa." I said, peering into her eyes to judge her reactions.
"That would be awesome, Jericho; I would really appreciate it if you did just that." She replied, her tone filled with enthusiasm. She was so happy to get to meet Clarissa; I wonder if she even knew that her friend had given birth. I began to think about the circumstances surrounding their separation.
Clarissa
Mrs. Carter has refused to let me easily do anything. I think what annoys her the most is my calmness and indifferent reactions to all her maltreatment. Just last night, she made me work all day doing silly chores, trying her best to rile me up. She kicked me while I tried to massage her toes, nibbled at my fingers when I tried to give her drugs, and also ordered me not to have a bite of any food until I was done with my work.
I was so exhausted when she finally slept off at midnight and I was free to go home. My innards rumbled with extreme hunger, and I doubled over next to a streetlight to catch my breath.
I could understand perfectly why no caretaker could stay long enough or tolerate her, even with the huge pay. No human could possibly have the kind of patience that taking care of Mrs. Carter required.
As I sat on the pedestrian walk, a small red car stopped, and a woman the age of Mrs. Carter bounded off her car and rushed to my side.
"Hey dear, what's the problem?" She asked, and her soft caramel eyes peered into mine.
"I'm alright." I said I had no interest in having long discussions with humans on any account, or they might have gotten suspicious of who I was and where I belonged.
"You look faint," the woman began again, "hop in my car and I'll give you a ride home." She said, this time helping me to my feet.
After all, not every human being was as cruel and self-centered as Mrs. Carter.
Nolle.
As Jericho opened the door, Clarissa turned, a mixture of surprise and disbelief written across her face. Tears welled up in my eyes as she rushed forward, embracing me tightly.
"Clarissa! I've missed you so much!" I exclaimed, my voice filled with emotion.
Clarissa held onto me, her own tears flowing freely. "Noelle, is it really you? How did you find me?"
Through our tearful reunion, I recounted my journey, the obstacles she faced, and my unwavering determination to find Clarissa. I was so glad that she was safe. She had changed a little bit with time, but she was still my best friend.
"I never stopped thinking about you, Clarissa. You're like a sister to me," I said, my voice trembling with love and relief.
Clarissa pulled away slightly, her eyes filled with gratitude. "I can't believe you're here. You have no idea how much I've longed for your friendship."
Nolle smiled, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "I'm here now, and we'll face everything together."
"I'm glad you found her, Nolle," Jericho said softly, joining them.
"I can imagine what it feels like to be separated from family. You guys are really strong." He continued.
I turned to Jericho, grateful for his assistance. "Thank you, Jericho. Without you, I don't know if I would have ever found her."
Jericho nodded, his gaze shifting between the two of us. "It was my pleasure. Clarissa deserves all the support she can get."
"I need to get home before Nova gets worried." Jericho said, he gave us a brief bow and was out on his way.
Clarissa.
After Jericho left, Nolle and I spent the evening sharing stories, laughter, and tears. Nolle filled mein on her life since we last saw each other, recounting her struggles and telling me of her father's death.
"I'm so sorry, Nolle; I'm so sad I couldn't be there to stand by you; it must have been really difficult for you to cope." I said, I took Nolle into my arms and caressed her. I wanted to share her pain with her, just as she would have shared mine with me.